The cat and the hog

The sound of hissing cut through the air, sharp and sudden.

My head snapped towards the source, my sword still clutched tightly in my hand.

There, amidst the shadows, a long-tailed cat slunk towards me.

Its body was low to the ground, muscles coiled and ready to strike.

A low, warning growl rumbled in its throat, its tail twitching in agitation.

The cat inched closer, its gaze never leaving mine. I watched its every movement

I barely had time to react as the cat suddenly burst towards me.

I thrust my sword out, channeling the mana coursing through it and sent a  six directional windslash at it.

The air shuddered, slicing into blades that tore through the space between us.

The cat was quick though, twisting and turning to avoid the onslaught.

"Not bad". I thought.

A glowing orb formed in its mouth, and in a flash of flame, it spat the fireball at me.